Home Dog Training
Oakland & Alameda County

...Gusty is absolutely fantastic. We saw immediate results after our first lesson and are very optimistic about having a well-behaved dog who will be a good canine citizen. Gusty is delightful, professional, thorough, patient and very understanding, not to mention friendly and fun. The training package is pricey but after researching other reputable trainers who charge at least $200/hour, this program is a bargain. It covers the lifetime of the dog and, from previous experience with other trainers, numerous sessions are needed over time. This way I will not hesitate to get help when I need it. I wholeheartedly recommend this program and Gusty. You will not be disappointed!

First, I should say that this review is long overdue. Gusty deserves such high praises that I was waiting for a creative writing mood to strike -- but I can't wait any longer! In any case, I don't have adequate words for the feeling I have, now that Gusty helped me and my dog, Panda.

The first lesson was in a neighborhood, where my dog exhibited so many of the reactive behaviors that prompted me to look for a trainer. Panda barked at Gusty. She lunged at Gusty and although I believe my dog would not bite, anyone who hears her deep bark is surprised by her small stature. I think it really worked well was that Gusty was just talking to me and telling me what to do to redirect, Panda, to get her attention, and to get Panda to settle down. Gusty's feelings weren't hurt that Panda was not her biggest fan at the first lesson. We left incredibly exhausted, both emotionally (at least for me) and physically.

During the first lesson, even though Panda was reactive, it was more about learning the Bark Busters method for communicating. I think that's what was so exhausting: learning this new language.

I was really reluctant to do anything like negative reinforcement or negative methods, but I ended up really valuing the harness that Gusty gave me, which is a Bark Busters branded harness. It was unbelievable! It didn't take but a short time before Panda stopped pulling on the leash! She used to practically pull me out of my shoes when she would see her favorite dogs or people and she'd run towards them! Now I can really communicate with her through the harness, and I feel better that there's a piece of elastic behind the metal so that her skin and hair don't get pinched at all.

The second lesson, however, was in my apartment. Panda remembered Gusty and not exactly with positive feelings lol! She barked a lot again, just like the first lesson. Gusty was focused on me and not so much on Panda. By me being the bad guy, I supposed Panda felt less and less threatened by Gusty. It was so stinking adorable when Panda eventually went up to Gusty for pets, and then even climbed in her lap and gave her kisses! What a turn around!

In the second lesson, we worked on not barking at Gusty walking in the door, or getting too close to the door if I opened it for someone that I didn't know. But what was the most magical to me -- and the most surprising -- was to be able to put pieces of cheese on the floor in front of Panda, and have her come to me, walking past the cheese, and not eating any of it! Normally, that would really really get her. That is a high value treat for sure! I am able to practice that again and again, and I have seen such improvement. It feels like I have a different dog in someways, but she's still a dog, not a robot, I never want panda to lose her goofy personality.

Although Gusty helped me with setting the tone for a walk, I do think I need an extra lesson or two to really hone in on not being reactive with certain dogs. Panda has been in pain lately (for a reason I won't go into) and I think that has made it so she's a bit grumpier or irritated.

In the weeks since I first met Gusty, I have been really happy that I went not only with Bark Busters, but with Gusty in particular. She supported me despite my anxieties and Panda despite hers, lol! Gusty is a patient and thoughtful person in the way that she teaches. She knew that I was worried about any negative training methods so she showed me a video of a mama dog correcting her puppies, and that put my new communication methods in a whole new light to where I think of myself not just as a dog mom, but also kind of like a mama dog. That's so much easier for me to understand and feel comfortable with then more aggressive words like pack leader.

I have told people around town about Bark Busters, like when we're in the park and folks are amazed at how well Panda behaves (most of the time!) Definitely give her a call or a text! You and your dog will be happier!

I had hit a real low with my two pups and I was feeling anxious and hopeless when I reached out to Gusty and Bark Busters for help.

After a series of moves, my girls were hyper reactive to *everything* and I couldn't get them to stop barking nonstop in the house, attacking our gate when anyone walked by, and getting majorly out of control with passing people and pets when we went on walks.

Then Gusty came over for a few hours, read into the situation, and thoughtfully explained that I wasn't asserting leadership in a way my dogs could understand, so they thought they needed to protect me at all times.

*I* just needed some training. :)

She taught me to understand and communicate with my girls in a way I didn't know was possible, and gave me confidence in my ability to manage any situation.

The progress we've made in the last week is nothing short of a miracle.

- We have peace in our house.
- I can work uninterrupted.
- The dogs are relaxed.
- They sunbathe instead of screaming at the neighbors.
- We go on walks where they don't react at all to other dogs, to deer directly in our path, to mail trucks and carriers, to multiple people walking by.

Previously, this was something I only dreamed about. It's unprecedented.

I cannot recommend Gusty more highly. She feels like a friend you've known for years and her experience is invaluable. In a short time, she has improved my life (and my relationship with my dogs) —drastically.

Gusty was able to perceive things in my dog that even I was unaware of. My dog, who is highly anxious and felt compelled to protect us, often charged and attempted to bite various people. However, after our second session, she was showing affection and even giving Gusty kisses. My dog is now much happier and easier to handle. The difference in my relationship with my puppy is remarkable, and I would recommend this service to anyone!

Gusty is fantastic. We had a new, problematic puppy that, among other behavioral issues, was not letting us sleep. With her first visit, Gusty quickly diagnosed the situation and our puppy stayed silent in her crate that night. She also recognized subtle behavioral issues with our older dog. We cannot recommend Gusty highly enough!

Gusty was a spectacular teacher. She was thoughtful, well versed, knowledgeable, and great with Ossie and Ginji. Ossie is 8 and Ginji 4 months. Justy made the generational differentiation, and gave us helpful education for both. A real educator and compassionate trainer.

Gusty was able in 2 hours to train my wife and I to transform our dog Roger into a so much better behave dog after just one session. We will to continue use the training techniques daily to make Roger even a better dog and companion. We look forward to our next training session to continue learn more exercises that we can pass on to Roger. So yes, we would highly recommend Gutsy for in home dog training.

Gusty is beyond amazing in training our little rescue 3-year-old Bichon. We've had her already for five weeks and she is a completely different dog all thanks to Gusty. She is gradually opening up her trust to us and it touches our hearts to the core to see these changes. We are learning patience that definitely pays off. We are so grateful and happy that Universe brought Gusty to our home. Highly recommend - If we could give Gusty ten stars, we would. RK

Gusty is absolutely fantastic! Working with her was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. My wonderful puppy, Cobie, was beginning to make my life miserable because I did not have the right skills to teach him good behavior. I saw immediate, life changing results during the very first lesson and our home is once again happy and harmonious. I am so grateful for Gusty and her superior ability to teach dog owners how to help their dogs be the best they can be. It’s the least we can do to give our pups the wonderful lives they deserve. The Bark Busters training system is worth every penny. I wholeheartedly recommend it and, especially, Gusty. You will not be disappointed!

Gusty came by today to help my godparents with their dog Mylo. He has been struggling with barking and stranger aggression and we have spoken to a few other trainers without success. Both of my godparents are older and slightly disabled so I was concerned about their ability to be able to train Mylo and to be consistent. However, after only 1 hour, Gusty had already begun to curve his behavior significantly and given my godmother (and me) significant hope for the future! By the end of the lesson we felt like we knew exact how to handle the situation and were excited to learn more. I cannot recommend her more! If you have any concerns about your dog's behavior or simply want to learn more about the way they think, trust me and give her a call, you won't regret it!

From our very first session, I saw a huge improvement in Dandy's behavior and anxiety. Gusty firmly and kindly helped me understand what I needed to adjust in the way I relate to to Dandy, and he immediately became more relaxed and listened better. Gusty helped us address his jumping and he now greets me and my guests very gently and sweetly, and we also worked on dropping "street treats" and our walks are so much more relaxing now! Dandy is just overall much more at ease - he settles nicely, waits to eagerly follow me instead of pulling ahead, and he's even more cuddly and affectionate. The price tag for the training was initially daunting, but I can say it's been 100% worth it to understand him better and know that he's happier and less anxious, and he and I have a much more trusting relationship. So very grateful for Gusty!

Gusty came by today to help my godparents with their dog Mylo. He has been struggling with barking and stranger aggression and we have spoken to a few other trainers without success. Both of my godparents are older and slightly disabled so I was concerned about their ability to be able to train Mylo and to be consistent. However, after only 1 hour, Gusty had already begun to curve his behavior significantly and given my godmother (and me) significant hope for the future! By the end of the lesson we felt like we knew exact how to handle the situation and were excited to learn more. I cannot recommend her more! If you have any concerns about your dog's behavior or simply want to learn more about the way they think, trust me and give her a call, you won't regret it!

Gusty us AMAZING!!!!! We saw great results after just 1 session and learn tons with each followup. If you keep up with her lessons you should see great behavioral improvement and management. Our dog was already amazing, but Gusty helped with the transition of our older rehomed puppy to our family.

Something to note about the Bark Busters philosophy- it uses positive reinforcement with solid results...and also acknowledges that your dog is still going to be your dog. Their personality is their personality... so they teach you how to work with the dog that you have instead of the dog that you think you should have.

First, I should say that this review is long overdue. Gusty deserves such high praises that I was waiting for a creative writing mood to strike — but I can’t wait any longer! In any case, I don’t have adequate words for the feeling I have, now that Gusty helped me and my dog, Panda. (Though this is so long that I definitely found some words!)

The first lesson was in a neighborhood, where my dog exhibited so many of the reactive behaviors that prompted me to look for a trainer. Panda barked at Gusty. She lunged at Gusty and although I believe my dog would not bite, anyone who hears her deep bark is surprised by her small stature. I think it really worked well was that Gusty was just talking to me and telling me what to do to redirect, Panda, to get her attention, and to get Panda to settle down. Gusty‘s feelings weren’t hurt that Panda was not her biggest fan at the first lesson. We left incredibly exhausted, both emotionally (at least for me) and physically.

During the first lesson, even though Panda was reactive, it was more about learning the Bark Busters method for communicating.

I was really reluctant to do anything like negative reinforcement or negative methods, and I ended up really valuing the harness that Gusty gave me, which is a Bark Busters branded harness. It was unbelievable! It didn’t take but a short time before Panda stopped pulling on the leash! She used to practically pull me out of my shoes when she would see her favorite dogs or people and she’d run towards them! Now I can really communicate with her through the harness, and I feel better that there’s a piece of elastic behind the metal so that her skin and hair don’t get pinched at all.

The second lesson, however, was in my apartment. Panda remembered Gusty and not exactly with positive feelings lol! She barked a lot again, just like the first lesson. Gusty was focused on me and not so much on Panda. By me being the bad guy, I supposed Panda felt less and less threatened by Gusty. It was so stinking adorable when Panda eventually went up to Gusty for pets, and then even climbed in her lap and gave her kisses! What a turn around!

In the second lesson, we worked on not barking at Gusty walking in the door, or getting too close to the door if I opened it for someone that I didn’t know. But what was the most magical to me — and the most surprising — was to be able to put pieces of cheese on the floor in front of Panda, and have her come to me, walking past the cheese, and not eating any of it! Normally, that would really really get her. That is a high value treat for sure! I am able to practice that again and again, and I have seen such improvement. It feels like I have a different dog in someways, but she’s still a dog, not a robot, I never want Panda to lose her goofy personality.

In the weeks since I first met Gusty, I have been really happy that I went not only with Bark Busters, but with Gusty in particular. She supported me despite my anxieties and Panda despite hers, lol! Gusty is a patient and thoughtful person in the way that she teaches. She knew that I was worried about any negative training methods so she showed me a video of a mama dog correcting her puppies, and that put my new communication methods in a whole new light to where I think of myself not just as a dog mom, but also kind of like a leader. That’s so much easier for me to understand and feel comfortable with then more aggressive words like pack leader.

I have told people around town about Bark Busters, like when we’re in the park and folks are amazed at how well Panda behaves (most of the time!) Definitely give her a call or a text! You and your dog will be happier!

Gusty was amazing! We were struggling with leash reactivity, aggressive behavior in public around both people and dogs, and pulling on leash. In the first session she knew exactly how to work with my dog. She was careful about approaching the dog and nonjudgmental about the aggression my dog showed her. She talked me through how to work with her and the Bark Busters system and gave us a harness to help with the pulling. We saw significant improvement from the first session, the leash pulling is completely gone and her reactivity is much better and will continue to improve as we interact more with social crowds. I was so impressed with the results after one session.
You can tell Gusty really wants to help the pups she works with!

Wow! What a difference one lesson can make! I was really worried because my 3-year-old dog Murphy was aggressive on leash and used to bark, growl and lunge at other dogs while we were walking. It got so bad I would only go out at night when no one was around. That was until I met Gusty and everything changed.

The great part of the BarkBusters training is it does not rely on treats, shock collars or prong collars, none of which I ever have handy. Gusty taught me how to talk to my dog so he understands me using my voice and hand gestures. It made a lot of sense because puppies initially learn things from their Mamas and thye Mama dog doesn't have treats!

I can say the lesson was lifechanging for Murphy and I. Now we go on walks all the time, and Murphy is great on a loose leash, walking calmly by my side.

My only regret? That I waited 3 years to fix this problem!

Gusty is fantastic! I hired her to help with a barking / doorbell problem our Cavalier King Charles developed during the pandemic. Gusty's passion for dogs (and humans) is obvious. She is extremely patient and intuitive in terms of diagnosing problem areas and explaining possible solutions. I had honestly gotten to the point where I didn't think this problem could be fixed, but after our first session my dog was already showing incredible positive changes in behavior. I would highly recommend Gusty to anyone looking for help with any dog issues, and especially "pandemic puppy problems"!

My dog has recently begun to act aggressively towards new guests in our home, not biting exactly, but kind of nipping and barking at them. We thought we have tried everything when it comes to training, but Gusty came in and right away there was a difference once we enforced the corrections and training that we were being taught to do in order to help our pups behaviors! Instantly, we saw results and are so excited to continue with these training sessions.

We are AMAZED! The change in my dog was instant. We are so grateful for Gusty’s instruction. I could tell Gusty was just as big of a dog lover as me, and she went out of her way to help me and my dog, Kobe. She taught me how to “speak dog,” how to communicate with Kobe in a way he instantly understands. The lesson was mostly teaching me, as Kobe got it right away! I have truly gained such valuable knowledge. I’m so excited to continue with the exercises I have learned and watch Kobe’s progress! I am so excited and hopeful again that I will give my dog the best life he deserves, thanks to Gusty and bark busters! I seriously cannot recommend this training enough!!!

My experience with Gusty was life changing. I watched my dog, and I have had many in my life, change right before my eyes. He is a 90lb male pit bull mix, who was a bit fearful and pushed to dominate. He loves people but would jump on them including myself and it was extremely stressful. Gusty corrected this behavior within the first 30 minutes of our time together with absolutely no physical force whatsoever! My dog went from fearful and unsure to calm and respectful; fear left him. Even his abandonment anxiety was relieved. I am so excited to continue the ability to speak dog language, and continue what Gusty has shown me to build a wonderful relationship with my dog. I would recommend her in a heartbeat as she is as dedicated to her clients as our dogs are to us. And that’s so refreshing to see in this world today. Thanks again, Gusty!

Results after the first visit! My 5 yr old mini Aussie, Burt was a stressed out (anxious), terrible pulling on a lead, non stop barking, extremely reactive boy and we have seen nothing but positive results since our two visits with Gusty! I had a laundry list of behavioral issues that had evolved and gotten worse over time and the majority of that list was corrected after the first visit. Yes, the first visit.
I was dreading training because I was worried it would be difficult or I would be stressed myself. Gusty is wonderful and truly the best trainer! Couldn’t have done this without her. She is incredibly supportive and reassuring and has made this process easy and fun! Now with my consistency, Burt will be a great family companion.

We recently rescued Buster and without Gusty's help, I'm not sure we would have been able to keep him. First, he didn't like my other dog and bit him. He would also chew everything in site, bark at everything that passed the house, pull me all over on the leash, and toilet in the house. He was a handful! Gusty helped me develop a plan for success, which I have been working on everyday. Buster is like a different dog. He is going to fit well into our pack.